The coding singularity, the power of certification, and AI sticker shock

A Note from Malcolm

“Plastics.”

If only current career advice was as clear and concise as it was in The Graduate.  What should today’s college students and 20-somethings be focusing on?  

When GenAI launched most thought liberal arts majors, the word people, were in trouble (think writers, marketers, research analysts, paralegals, etc.).  This perspective was further bolstered by GenAI’s initial incompetence with math.  

STEM seemed to be the safe bet.  But in the past few months this sentiment has changed, as many now believe it’s the numbers people who are now most at risk: accountants, coders, economists.  As AI tools in these areas mature, job erosion looks inevitable. 

So who’s safe?  The hands people in the trades: plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists.  These AI-proof jobs are in high demand - soon to turn into extreme demand.  According to McKinsey, by 2032 hiring needs for these roles in the US will outstrip new supply 20 fold.  

As such, we may be entering a two-tiered jobs market: A musical chairs scenario for knowledge workers and salad days for those in the trades.  

With that lens, here are some highlights from the past week at the intersection of enterprise AI and work: